Neighbors wait for the library to open on a typical day. Photo by Jason Simpson.

The Beacon Hill Branch of The Seattle Public Library is turning 10 years old and the neighborhood is celebrating this Saturday, July 12! A fun-filled day is planned with refreshments, a panel of speakers, poetry reading and entertainment. Beacon Hill writers, young and old, are invited to share their creativity during an open mic program.

This Friday, November 22 and Sunday, Nov. 24, at 7 p.m., Jo Miller “Tells a Tall Tale” from her memoir, Never Holler Whoa at a Horserace. The show at the Garden House, 2336 15th Ave South, will include music and storytelling, and a reunion with former Burly Roughnecks bandmates Dave Keenan and Nova Devonie (aka Miles and Karina) for a country-swing jam.

You’ll probably recognize most of the locations in the video for “Just Another Day” by emcees Gabriel Teodros, Mic Flont, and Ka.lil, vocalist Jill Laxamana and producer Uce Wayne. This updated version of Queen Latifah’s song is a tribute to Beacon Hill, featuring neighborhood landmarks including Red Apple, The Station, Jefferson Park and Fou Lee Market. The video was directed by Eric Miller and Mic Flont.

That old dusty violin or clarinet in your attic could help fifth-graders who want to learn to play.

Beacon Hill International School is seeking donated trumpets, clarinets, flutes, and violins (1/2- or 1/4-size only) for the 45 students who want to study music. The school has only a few instruments to lend, and many students who cannot afford to rent or purchase.

If you have an instrument to donate, please drop it off in the front office at 2021 14th Ave. S. on North Beacon Hill.

It kind of sneaked up on us this year (can it be September already?), but this Saturday, September 7, from 12-8 p.m. is the third NEPO 5K Don’t Run art event, a 5km walk from the International District up to Beacon Hill.

Not just your normal walk, the route of this one will feature over 60 art projects including sculptures, interactive artworks, poetry readings, video projections, sound installations, music, and theater. The end of the route at the NEPO House on South Lander Street will have live music and DJs, a beer garden, and food trucks.

Registration for the walk is in Hing Hay Park in the International District from 12-3 p.m. Admission is $10, free for children.

Members of Ala Carte performing at Beacon Rocks! in 2011. Photo by Wendi Dunlap/Beacon Hill Blog

Is it really almost the end of August? It is. And that means that this Sunday, August 24, is the last Beacon Rocks! of the summer of 2013. This month’s event from 1-5 p.m. on Roberto Maestas Festival Street is themed “Duwamish!”

There will be a flea market, kids’ wading pools, and the usual entertainment from local performers. Youth from the Duwamish Tribe will share Duwamish River clean up information along with info about current efforts for Federal recognition of the tribe.

I tried to think of the most harmless thing. Something I loved from my childhood. Something that could never, ever possibly destroy us. Mr. Stay Puft.

Who you gonna call? That’s right, the 1984 comedy blockbuster Ghostbusters is this month’s feature at the Jefferson Park Outdoor Movie Night. Showtime is dusk on Saturday, August 17, and admission is free. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks, or purchase snacks at the site.

Mark September 14 on your calendar as well, when Raiders of the Lost Ark will close out this year’s summer outdoor movie series.

For more information about the event, contact the Jefferson Community Center at 684-7481.

Many Shuvs and Zuuls knew what it was to be roasted in the depths of the Slor that day, I can tell you!

Beacon Hill musicians, poets, and more — you’re wanted for the Beacon Hill Boombox, a collection of recordings by Beacon Hill artists. The recordings will play in several neighborhood businesses in August and September.

Here’s the announcement:

Are you a recording artist who lives or works on Beacon Hill?

GET IN THE BOOMBOX!

We are creating the Beacon Hill Boombox, an audio catalogue of artists who call Beacon Hill home. In August and September, the boombox will be located in several different neighborhood establishments, featuring the diverse sounds and expressions of Beacon Hill for all to listen to and experience on cassette tapes. We want to hear you!

Submit your recorded work –- music, poetry, anything recorded! –- in order to be part of this project. Your recordings will also be featured online on a digital archive.

Please send an MP3 or link to a stream of your work to beaconhillboombox@gmail.com. You can also leave physical submissions at The Station Café (16th Ave. S. and Beacon Ave. S.).

The deadline is July 30th, so you still have time to put something together.